Women's Health & Hormonal Wellbeing

Perimenopause is the time leading up to menopause, when hormone levels begin to change and periods may become less predictable. Menopause is reached when you have not had a period for 12 consecutive months. Although these are natural stages of life, the timing and symptoms can be different for everyone.

Hormonal changes during perimenopause and menopause may contribute to hot flushes, night sweats, sleep disturbance and changes in mood. Poor sleep can then leave you feeling tired, irritable or less able to concentrate. These symptoms vary between individuals, and persistent fatigue or low mood should not automatically be assumed to be caused by menopause.

You can speak with a GP or other qualified healthcare professional whenever menopause symptoms concern you or affect your daily life. Medical advice is particularly important if symptoms begin before the age of 45, bleeding becomes unusual, symptoms are severe or persistent, or you are unsure whether another health condition could be responsible.

Periods can become less regular, lighter or heavier during perimenopause. However, new or unusual bleeding should not automatically be assumed to be hormonal. Speak with a GP if bleeding is affecting your life, occurs between periods or after sex, becomes much heavier, or happens after you have had no periods for 12 months.